High salt ups heart disease risk in diabetics

People with Type-2 diabetes have more to add to their list of dietary restrictions as researchers have found that a high salt diet may double their risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

"The findings provide clear scientific evidence supporting low-sodium diets to reduce the rate of heart disease among people with diabetes," said Chika Horikawa from University of Niigata Prefecture in Niigata, Japan.

The study surveyed participants aged 40-70 who had been diagnosed with diabetes.

In all, 1,588 people responded to a survey about their diets, including sodium intake.

The researchers reviewed data on cardiovascular complications participants experienced over the course of eight years.

People who ate an average of 5.9 grams of sodium daily had double the risk of developing cardiovascular disease than those who ate, on average, 2.8 grams of sodium daily.

The effects of a high-sodium diet were exacerbated by poor blood sugar control.

"To reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, it is important for people who have Type 2 diabetes to improve their blood sugar control as well as watch their diet," Horikawa added.

The study appeared in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.